Schlussfolgerungen

Abstract

Background

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a frequent event. In many cases, especially during prehospital CPR, relatives or family members are present during CPR.

Aim

The purpose of this work was to explore health care providers’ attitudes towards the presence of relatives during CPR and to describe the evidence regarding the impact of the presence of relatives during CPR on relatives and staff-performance as well.

Methods

Narrative literature review.

Results

Health care providers are skeptical about the presence of relatives during CPR. They expect a negative impact on relative’s psychological status and staff performance. Relatives perceive their presence during CPR as helpful. It seems to have no negative impact on anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Conclusion

Relatives should be given the opportunity to decide whether they want to be present during CPR. However, specific requirements should be met.